Mercury has rolled out two new sets of alloy cyclocross wheels, the S1T tubular and S1C clincher, both with a massive 23mm wide rim.
Using the same mold and essentially the same amount of material for each rim, actual rim weight comes in at a claimed 420g for the clincher and 415g for the tubular, hence the very similar wheel set weights (full specs after the break). Chris Mogridge, Mercury’s main guy, said the wide rims let you run much lower tire pressures for both models, giving the tires a nice wide track and lending a very tubular-like feel to the clincher.
The clincher rims are tubeless compatible, just apply tape, making them (IMO) a compelling option for people otherwise inclined to go tubular. According to Mogridge, both wheels are also a great option for bigger riders or those that need a really stiff wheel. Click through to see why…
Like with mountain bike wheels, the S1 wheels take advantage of the stiffness offered by a bigger axle. They roll on a 12mm axle capped with standard 9mm QR caps so they’ll work on regular road/cyclocross frames and forks. Even though the hubs look really small, they’re using high end polished stainless steel sealed bearings wrapped around the oversized axles.
Combined with the wider rims and a 2x spoke lacing all around, Mogridge says these have tested incredibly stiff and proven to be extremely durable under 200km+ approximately 200,000km of riding by the Kenda Pro Cycling Team. The spoke holes on the insides of the rim are offset. The spokes enter the rim perfectly straight from the hub flange, eliminating any awkward pressure on the spoke ends. The offset holes help get the nipples lined up properly during the wheel build.
The inner sidewall on the clincher is just 5mm tall where the bead sits, which should give it a pretty tight seal once seated, particularly with UST tires as more tubeless cyclocross tires hit the market.
Lastly, the wheels are hand built in the USA to add just the right amount of road feel. Mogridge says even though they’re very stiff laterally, they feel really good on the bike.
S1-Clincher Specs:
– 23mm wide- Aero Profile
– 1490g Clincher (White Label)
– Tubeless Compatible
– Mercury Oversized Axle System
– Shimano/Sram and Campy Compatible
– 2X Cross Lacing Pattern
– Double Butted Spokes
– Built in the USA by Handspun
– MSRP-$699
S1-Tubular Specs:
– 23mm wide- Aero Profile
– 1485g Tubular (Red Label)
– Mercury Oversized Axle System
– DT Butted Spokes and DT Nipples
– Shimano/Sram and Campy Compatible
– 2X Cross Lacing Pattern
– Double Butted Spokes
– Built in the USA by Handspun
– MSRP-$699
